PESHAWAR: Outgoing US Consul General Shante Moore has reaffirmed his country’s commitment toward strengthening bilateral trade, economic and commercial relations with Pakistan.

He was speaking during a farewell luncheon hosted in his honour by Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Chamber House on Monday.

On the occasion, SCCI president Fazal Moqeem Khan underscored the need for further improvement in Pak-US trade and economic relations, according to a statement.

The participants appreciated the role Shante Moore played, setting an excellent example of diplomacy for improving

the Pak-US trade and economic relations, and hoped his successor would continue collaboration with the business community.

The business community commended the current US administration’s policy shift, which is keenly prioritising doing trade with Pakistan rather than aid.

SCCI leadership said Pakistan and US enjoyed close diplomatic, economic and trade relations for several decades, and now the level of collaboration and friendship between them had entered a new era under the current US administration, which is welcoming.

The business community presented a number of proposals to enhance export of Pakistani products to the US market, mainly related to share of advanced technology for development of mines and mineral sectors, efficiently tapping available potentials, exchanging business delegations and removing hurdles in bilateral trade.

Fazal Moqeem lauded the outgoing consul general for his remarkable role, contribution and proactive engagement with the business community that helped bring the relationship between the two countries to new heights.

“We truly believe that the foundation of the relationship laid by Mr Shante Moore with us will go a long way in bringing the business community of the two countries closer.

On the occasion, Shante Moore highlighted the importance of Pak-US diplomatic and economic relations.

He mentioned the major achievements toward boosting the trade and commercial relations between the two countries during his tenure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The US diplomat appreciated the hospitality, culture and brotherliness of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa people, who he said were very kind, generous and friendly.

Mr Moore acknowledged that KP had immense potential to strengthen relations with US and sought assistance of SCCI to pursue American companies to invest in the province.

He noted that KP had been adversely affected by menace of terrorism, and said his country wanted to assist Pakistan in coping with security and other challenges and effectively combating terrorism.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2025